Uber and Lyft provide convenient transportation in Mississippi. While most trips are uneventful, a collision involving a rideshare vehicle can lead to complex issues that must be resolved before you can be compensated for the harm you endured. Knowing what to do after an Uber or Lyft accident in Mississippi can protect your safety and your eligibility to seek compensation from the at-fault party.
Steps to Take Following a Rideshare Collision
The moments after any collision can be jarring. Rideshare collisions are especially confusing due to the complexities of establishing liability. If you were involved in a rideshare collision, seek medical attention. By calling 911, police and paramedics will arrive on the scene to assess you for injuries. Involving law enforcement also ensures that there is a documented trail and a police report to use as you pursue compensation for your injury and other damages.
Once the accident scene is secure, you can gather information from the crash site. Gather contact information from the driver and other motorists. If there are potential witnesses to the collision, gather their information as well. Take screenshots of the rideshare trip details and save copies of digital receipts. These, along with photographs of the scene of the collision, can be used to support your injury claim and protect you from false accusations.
Notify the rideshare company through its in-app reporting feature as soon as possible. Both Uber and Lyft have liability coverage that may apply depending on whether the driver was logged into the app or carrying a passenger. Because rideshare insurance policies can be complex, it’s wise to consult an attorney who understands Mississippi’s accident laws.
Legal counsel can help you navigate coverage disputes, coordinate medical documentation, and pursue fair compensation for medical bills, lost income, and emotional suffering caused by the collision.
Must-Know Rideshare Collision Statistics
Rideshare use continues to grow across Mississippi, creating new challenges for traffic safety and accountability. According to a national survey of rideshare drivers, nearly one-third of participants reported being involved in a crash while working. The Mississippi Office of Highway Safety’s FY 2023 Annual Report recorded 87,491 total crashes statewide.
Major roadways like Interstate 59, U.S. Highway 49, and Hardy Street in Hattiesburg see frequent rideshare activity, especially near college campuses and nightlife areas. Crashes often occur due to speeding, sudden stops, and confusion over pickup or drop-off points. When a rideshare collision leads to serious injury or property damage, claims are typically filed through the Forrest County Civil Courthouse, located at 630 Main Street, Hattiesburg, MS 39401.
Why You Should Hire a Rideshare Accident Lawyer
The decision to hire a rideshare accident lawyer can greatly improve the chances that you secure fair compensation for the harm you endured from a car crash. Rideshare accident laws are complex and require a deep understanding of traffic liability, insurance, and personal injury laws.
With the help of a Mississippi rideshare accident attorney, you can have peace of mind, knowing that someone with experience managing rideshare accident cases is on top of your case.
Lawyers can reduce the stress you are under by handling the complexities of your claim while you focus on recovering. During a difficult time, their support can provide the encouragement you need to see your claim through.
FAQs
What Should You Do After an Uber Accident?
After an Uber accident, you should call 911 to report the collision and your location. Assess yourself for injuries and wait for police and paramedics in a safe area. Allow EMS to check you over for injuries.
If you can safely do so, gather evidence to support your claim, which can include photographs and witness contact information. Follow up with the police and request a copy of the police report. This document may include critical information.
Will Uber Notify My Insurance Company After a Crash?
Uber typically does not contact your personal insurance company after a crash. If you are a passenger, the claim is usually handled through Uber’s own insurance coverage. However, if you are the driver, you may need to report the accident to both Uber and your personal insurer. A rideshare collision lawyer can advise you on the steps to follow to protect your claim to compensation.
Who Is Liable for a Rideshare Collision?
The party that is liable for a rideshare collision depends on whether the driver was actively transporting a passenger through their rideshare app. Rideshare drivers are independent contractors, meaning they are only “on the clock” when their app says they are delivering a passenger. If you were being transported by a rideshare company, and that trip is reflected in the rideshare app, that company is responsible for the harm you endured.
How Much Compensation Can You Receive From a Lyft Accident Settlement?
Like other injury claims, the amount of compensation you receive from Lyft or Uber depends on the extent of your injuries and the setbacks you suffered due to the collision. Rideshare policies offer substantial coverage, but securing fair compensation can require representation by an injury lawyer who understands how to negotiate fair settlements for clients. An attorney can take decisive steps to maximize what you receive in compensation.
Contact a Mississippi Rideshare Accident Lawyer
If you were injured in an Uber or Lyft accident, you need representation from a law firm that understands the complexities of rideshare insurance and liability. At WaideLaw, we help injured passengers, drivers, and pedestrians pursue the compensation they deserve for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Our goal is to ensure that rideshare companies and insurers are held fully accountable.
Attorney Daniel Waide approaches every case with integrity and compassion. He knows how quickly rideshare crashes can upend your life and is committed to helping you recover the resources you need to move forward. When you work with WaideLaw, you gain a dedicated legal advocate who will always put your interests first. Contact our office today to discuss your claim. We are available 24/7 to help.
